Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 – 5:00 p.m. – Board Room
MINUTES
1.
General Institutional Functions
1.1
Judge Parker called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
1.2
Ms. McNamara read the Public Statement: Adequate notice of this meeting has
been provided at least 48 hours in advance of its commencement by posting in at
least one public place reserved for such or similar announcements and by mail,
telephone, or hand delivery to all appropriate parties pursuant to the Open Public
Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4.1.
1.3
Roll Call / Pledge of Allegiance.
The following were present: Judge Parker, -Chair, Mr. Scanlan-Vice Chair, Ms.
McNamara-Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox (arrived
at 5:25 p.m.), Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte (via conference call), Mr. Spekhardt, Dr.
Connolly-President, Ms. Moscaguiri, and Wendy Fullem-Assistant to the President
and Board of Trustees/Recording Secretary.
Also present were: Frank Nocella-EVP Finance & Operations, Dr. James BakerInterim VP Academic Affairs, Karen DiMaria-VP Institutional Advancement & the
Foundation, Dr. Kathleen Okay-Dean of Students and Interim Assistant VP
Academic Affairs, Michael Gallegly-Exec. Dir. Human Resources, Curtis BiggsInterim Dean of Student Services & Student Affairs, Cory Homer-Director of
Institutional Research, Planning, Assessment, & Distance Learning, John ScullyDirector Campus Safety, Security and Campus Operations, and Kate GilfillanCollege Counsel.
1.4
Judge Parker welcomed the guests.
1.5
Approval/Acceptance of Minutes and Board Action Resolutions:
1.5.1
Approval of Minutes from the Tuesday, January 25, 2016 Regular
Board Meeting.
Mrs. Geraci moved to approve minutes from the Tuesday, January 25,
2016 Regular Board Meeting. Ms. McNamara seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
1.5.2
Acknowledgment of Receipt of Committee Minutes.
 2020 Committee – Wednesday, February 10, 2016
 Finance and Facilities Committee – Tuesday, February 16, 2016
 Personnel and Curriculum Committee – Tuesday, February 16, 2016
 Audit and Policy Committee – Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Dr. Andrews moved to approve committee minutes as noted above. Ms.
McNamara seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
MINUTES Page 1 of 9
1.5.3
Approval of Board Action Resolutions from the January 25, 2016
Board Meeting.
Mr. Eskilson moved to approve Board Action Resolutions from the
January 25, 2016 Board Meeting. Ms. McNamara seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
1.6
Courtesy of the Floor on Agenda Items Only (Public Session-5 Minutes per
Speaker) - (Introduction of the Proposed Tuition and Fee Changes)
John Kuntz, Associate Dean of Athletics, Campus Life & Judicial Systems,
addressed the Board regarding tuition increases for international students. He
indicated that the athletics department are currently recruiting for next year’s
teams, and student athletes have been signed based on current tuition. He noted
that it takes years to cultivate an international program and raising tuition for these
students would be detrimental to progress. He added that the international
students are good students, athletes, ambassadors for the college both inside the
college and in the community.
Diana Docksey addressed the Board regarding tuition increases. She said the
increases are “outrageous,” stating that students work three and four jobs to afford
tuition.
Philip Andujar, a non-traditional aged student, addressed the Board regarding his
concerns with a tuition increase, especially for those who rely on financial aid. He
said, he for one, could not afford to continue his education here if tuition increases
as proposed. He feels an education at SCCC should serve to elevate, not place a
burden on its students.
Associate Professor Maureen Murphy-Smolka addressed the Board regarding
proposed tuition and fee increases. She said she understands the budget situation,
but also that students are working longer and harder to pay for college. She asked
that any possible ways to avoid tuition increases should take effect, for community
college is becoming more and more prohibitive.
Adjunct Professor Hank Pomerantz also addressed the Board regarding tuition
increases. He stated that a 12% increase “blows him away.” He said that many
students have numerous jobs, and have had hours at work cut back and in an
environment of declining enrollment, administration needs to look carefully at
student retention and enticing new students to enroll.
Jason Boehm, a current student, addressed the Board regarding tuition increases.
He said he works 65 hours a week, supports a family and has another child on the
way. He is trying to further his education in order to better his employment
opportunities, but a tuition increase will keep him from continuing his education
here, for he will no longer be able to afford it.
International student athletes Sam and Alex said that they traveled half way around
the world to come here due to affordability and our athletics program. They do not
want to see future students lose the wonderful experience of being here, and
stated that they are “not walking price tags.”
1.7
Acknowledgment of Receipt and Review of January, 2016 Financial
Statements.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
MINUTES Page 2 of 9
VP Nocella presented the financials, including: January YTD FY16 Credit Hour
Dashboard, January YTD FY16 Dashboard, January YTD FY 15/16 Income
Statement.
Mrs. Geraci moved to acknowledge receipt and review of the January, 2016
Financial Statements. Mr. Scanlan seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte, Ms.
McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
1.8
2.
The Correspondence File was received, reviewed and filed.
Personnel
2.1
Report of the Personnel and Curriculum Chair.
Dr. Andrews, Chair of the Personnel and Curriculum Committee, noted that they:
2.2

Reviewed personnel actions, including replacements, adjuncts, retirements,
interim appointments, stipends for Bursar and MIS.

Received an update regarding recruitment for the Director of Bursar and
Agriculture and Horticulture program. Both positions are in active recruitment.

Congratulate the negotiation teams for successful completion of the
bargaining agreements.

Reviewed Substantive Change applications.
Recommendation: Approval of Monthly Personnel Actions, as per the Attached
Personnel Actions Form.
Dr. Andrews moved to approve monthly personnel actions. Ms. McNamara
seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox (arrived at 5:25 p.m., in time
for this vote), Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte, Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr.
Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion carried unanimously.
2.3
Recommendation: Approval of Agreement between Sussex County Community
College Faculty Federation, Local #4780 and Sussex County Community
College.
Dr. Andrews moved to approve the Agreement between Sussex County
Community College Faculty Federation, Local #4780 and Sussex County
Community College. Mr. Spekhardt seconded the motion.
EVP Nocella provided an overview of the Faculty Federation and Professional
Support Staff Agreements. Both are in line with the Board of Trustees’ guidelines.
He thanked everyone involved with negotiation of these agreements.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
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2.4
Recommendation: Approval of Agreement between The Professional Support
Staff of Sussex County Community College, Local 6375 and Sussex County
Community College.
Ms. McNamara moved to approve the Agreement between the Professional
Support Staff of Sussex County Community College, Local 6375 and Sussex
County Community College.
EVP Nocella noted that all job descriptions for those in the Professional Support
Staff have been updated, along with salary ranges. He said he is pleased for all
of the help, support and meaningful dialogue that took place.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
3.
Curriculum and Instruction
3.1
Recommendation: Approval of Substantive Change Applications for
Business Admin. and Liberal Arts.
Dr. Andrews moved to approve the Substantive Change Applications for
Business Administration and Liberal Arts. Ms. McNamara seconded the motion.
Dr. Connolly noted that this is a monumental step for us, and explained that it
means we can deliver these programs online and do not have to have future
programs approved.
Dr. Baker added that this is an opportunity for students to complete their degrees
anywhere in the world, and reiterated that once these are approved, we do not
have to have future programs approved, and it opens the world to us.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
3.2
Presentation: Online Certification – Assistant Professor Alice Williamson.
Dr. Okay provided background regarding online certification noting that this
provides us with the opportunity to offer full programs, not just courses, online,
as well as support services to go with the programs. Support services include
tutoring and library resources. She then introduced Assistant Professor of
Mathematics Alice Williamson, who provided a presentation to the Board about
Distance Education.
4.
5.
Student Services Report
4.1
The Campus Life Report was received, reviewed and filed.
4.2
SGA Report: SGA Officers Corrine Woodhead-President, Andrei Burul-Vice
President, Cheyenne Cibien-Treasurer, and Mari McInerney-Secretary provided a
report to the Board, regarding SGA and student club activities.
Community Information and Service Report
5.1
Judge Parker shared excerpts from the Community Service Report.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
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6.
Business, Finance and Facilities
6.1
Report from the Finance and Facilities Committee Chair.
Mrs. Geraci, Chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee noted that the
committee met last week and reviewed the budget, the scheduling of the Board of
School Estimate Meeting, the grant application for the United States Department
of Agriculture Rural Utility Services Distance Learning Telemedicine Grant, and
other items that are on tonight’s agenda for discussion and approval.
6.2
EVP Nocella presented the FYE 2017 Budget. A discussion followed. A copy of
the FYE 2017 budget is on file in the office of the President.
6.3
Recommendation: Approval of Tuition and Fee Changes.
Mrs. Geraci moved to approve tuition and fee changes. Mr. Spekhardt seconded
the motion.
Mrs. Geraci explained that the budget has a gap and that in order to close it, there
needs to be a balance/control of operational costs and tuition increases.
Discussion ensued. Dr. Connolly explained that the recommendation to the Board
of Trustees is for tuition and fee increases up to the amounts stated in the budget.
During the discussion, financial aid, scholarship opportunities and textbook costs
were addressed.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte (who
noted that she concurs with others regarding the tuition rate for international
students, and would prefer that tuition for veterans not increase), Ms. McNamara,
Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion carried
unanimously.
6.4
Recommendation: Approval of Certification of the Amount of Local Appropriation
Necessary for the Operating Expenses and Capital Outlay Expense of the College
for FY17 and for the President to Prepare the Final Bound FY17 Budget Document
for Public Advertisement and for Submission to the Sussex County Community
College Board for School Estimate. (Approval of FYE 2017 Budget.)
Mrs. Geraci moved to approve certification of the amount of local appropriation
necessary for the operating expenses and capital outlay expense of the College
for FY17 and for the President to prepare the final bound FY17 budget document
for public advertisement and for submission to the Sussex County Community
College Board for School Estimate. This is the approval of FYE 2017 budget. Dr.
Andrews seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.5
Recommendation: Authorization to Schedule Board of School Estimate
Meeting and for Board Secretary to Advertise Said Meeting Along with a
Summarized Statement of Both the Estimated Revenues and Anticipated
Operating and Capital Expenditures.
Mr. Eskilson moved to authorize scheduling of the Board of School Estimate
meeting and for the Board Secretary to advertise the meeting, along with a
summarized statement of estimated revenues and anticipated operating and
capital expenditures. Mrs. Fox seconded the motion.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
MINUTES Page 5 of 9
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.6
Recommendation: Approval of Sussex County Community College’s
Application for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utility
Services Distance Learning Telemedicine Grant.
Mr. Scanlan moved to approve the application for the United States Department
of Agriculture Rural Utility Services Distance Learning Telemedicine Grant. Mrs.
Fox seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.7
Recommendation: Approval to Sell Idle Equipment Assets, for Which the
College No Longer has a Current or Proposed Future Need.
Mr. Scanlan moved to approve the sale of idle equipment assets for which the
college no longer has a current or proposed future need. Mr. Spekhardt seconded
the motion.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.8
Recommedation: Approval of Somerset County Co-op Purchasing Membership.
Mrs. Geraci moved to approve the Somerset County Co-op Purchasing
Membership. Mr. Scanlan seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.9
Recommendation: Approval of Amendment to Agreement Between Sussex
County Community College and Compass Group USA, Inc. By and Through
Its Canteen Vending Services Division.
Mr. Scanlan moved to approve the amendment to the agreement between
Sussex County Community College and Compass Group USA, Inc. by and
through its Canteen Vending Services Division. Ms. McNamara seconded the
motion.
It was noted that the college has agreed to subsidize services $865 per week, in
order to continue providing dining services on campus.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.10
Recommendation: Approval of the Fitness Room Engineering Assessment
for E Bldg. from Hatch Mott McDonald in the Amount of $27,616.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
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Mrs. Geraci moved to approve the fitness room engineering assessment for E.
Bldg., from Hatch Mott McDonald in the amount of $27,616. Mrs. Fox seconded
the motion.
Dr. Connolly explained that we are looking to modernize and increase the size of
the fitness room. Our Shared Governance Space Planning and Utilization
Committee recommended the location for the center, as well as for those needing
to be relocated in order to accommodate the fitness center.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.11
Recommendation: Approval of ADA – Doors for Student Buildings, in the
Amount of $22,875, from Chapter 12 Funds.
Mr. Scanlan moved to approve ADA Doors for student buildings, in the amount
of $24,500, from Chapter 12 funds. Mrs. Geraci seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.12
Report from the Audit and Policy Committee Chair.
Ms. McNamara, Chair of the Audit and Policy Committee, noted that the
committee engaged in passional conversation regarding the RPO policy and
insurance required to enforce the policy. She then asked that Mrs. Fox, a member
of the committee, provide the rest of the report. Mrs. Fox noted that the policy
has been modified since distributed to the Trustees and explained that the last
few paragraphs have been deleted. Policies presented to the Board for approval
will no longer include procedures. She noted that the committee received a
presentation by George Morville regarding insurance for the RPO policy.
6.13
Recommendation: Approval of Policy: Weapons on Campus – Authorization to
Carry for Retired Police Officers (RPO).
Mrs. Geraci moved to approve the Weapons on Campus – Authorization to Carry
for Retired Police Officers (RPO) policy. Mrs. Fox seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Ms. McNamara, voted
no. Motion carried.
6.14
Recommendation: Approval of Liability Insurance Coverage for Retired Police
Officers Authorized to Carry. Premium of $6,168 per Year for $2M in Coverage.
Mr. Spekhard moved to approve the liability insurance coverage for retired police
offiers authorized to carry, as noted above. Mrs. Fox seconded the motion.
It was explained that this is the most coverage we could get this year per incident
or event. Coverage might go up in the future. It currently costs $25k per year per
additional million in coverage.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
MINUTES Page 7 of 9
Roll call vote: Dr. Andrews, Mr. Eskilson, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Geraci, Dr. Lamonte,
Ms. McNamara, Mr. Scanlan, Mr. Spekhardt and Judge Parker voted yes. Motion
carried unanimously.
6.15
Report from the 2020 Committee Chair.
Mrs. Geraci, Chair of the 2020 Committee noted that the committee met on
February 10, 2016. She indicated that they have s a goal to include more people
from the community, as well as school superintendents. She said the college has
a new tag line, “Stay here, go far.” The committee discussed new programs
based on county needs and why parents send their children here.
7.
Courtesy of the Floor on General Matters – No one spoke.
8.
Other Business
Discussion / Reports / Announcements:
8.1
Trustee Activity Update.
Mrs. Geraci and Mrs. Fox attended the Women in business panel. They reported
that the event was excellent and Professor Nancy Gallo was a fantastic
moderator.
Judge Parker and Dr. Andrews attended the Nurse Pinning Ceremony. 10
students graduated from the program, which was celebrating an anniversary and
was attended by former graduates.
Judge Parker reminded Trustees that the Board Retreat is on March 8th and the
Veteran’s breakfast at Applebee’s is March 5th.
8.2
President’s Report.
Dr. Connolly reported that the Strategic Enrollment Group is meeting on February
25th. During the meeting all of the teams will be getting together for a strategic
planning meeting. He stressed that we have to stabilize and eventually grow
enrollment. Ideas will be heard and then made real with action. He explained each
of the groups and what they will do. The team consists of groups in the areas of:
Retention and Completion - led by Cory Homer, Recruiting – led by Todd
Poltersdorf, Campus Services (such as Bursar and payment) – led by Frank
Nocella, Academic Programs – led by Dr. James Baker, Marketing/Public
Relations/Community Engagement and Outreach – led by Karen DiMaria. He
noted that he will be providing a monthly update to the Board regarding work being
done by the SEG.
On March 15th we will welcome the annual Teen Arts Festival. Nearly 1,400
students from around the county will participate in shows, performances, art
displays and presentations in venues all around campus. The event will also offer
an Evening Performance Showcase on April 13th and an award ceremony in
partnership with the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council on May 24th. Both
will be held in the PAC.
Tomorrow the Diversity Group will be showing “42,” The Jackie Robinson Story.
On March 7th we will host Dr. John O’Malley for a Free Speech in Higher Education
Colloquim at 1:40 p.m. in the PAC.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
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We have surpassed our goals for the HPOG (Health Professions Opportunities
Grant). We have surpassed the goals for enrollment, graduation and employment.
SCCC is ranked #1 in the state.
April 9, 2016 is the date for the Foundation’s Ladies’ Saturday Retreat.
On March 7th, in partnership with the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and
the Economic Development Partnership, SCCC will host an Employer’s
Roundtable Discussion. This first discussion will focus on how to attract and retain
talent in the County and we hope to continue the Discussion as a series. We have
already received a wonderful response from companies that are big employers in
the county.
Saturday, March 5th, SCCC’s Office of Student Services will offer a free Study Skills
Workshop on “How to Succeed in College by Really Trying.” Associate Professor
Linden will teach students how to develop and strengthen the core skills needed
to be successful academically. The workshop will be held in the PAC and
refreshments will be provided by the SCCC Foundation.
8.3
Chairman’s Comments.
Judge Parker reminded everyone that they are an ambassor for the college and
for recruitment. She said it still costs substantially less to come here than a fouryear institution. We provide our students with an excellent education to leave
here and go into the workforce.
8.4
9.
The Next Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees Will Take Place on March
22, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the Executive Board Room. There will be a Retreat for
the Board of Trustees on March 8, 2016, at Thor Labs in Newton.
Adjournment
At 7:20 p.m., Mrs. Geraci moved to adjourn from the meeting. Mr. Spekhardt seconded the
motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Approved:
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Tuesday, February 23, 2016
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